Jonathan dos Santos

The LA Galaxy signed Mexican midfielder Jonathan dos Santos from Spain’s Villarreal CF as the team’s third Designated Player on July 27, 2017. Dos Santos, a regular starter for the Mexican National Team, joins the Galaxy after playing for Barcelona and Villarreal in Spain’s top-flight division, La Liga.

Dos Santos joins the Galaxy after most recently representing Mexico in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he was named to the tournament’s Best XI after starting in four games and helping his country reach the semifinals. The midfielder began his career with F.C. Barcelona in 2009 before joining Villarreal, where he has made nearly 90 league appearances and scored four goals since 2014.

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Dos Santos joined Barcelona’s famed academy system, La Masia, where he developed before making his eventual debut with the first team as a 19-year-old on Oct. 28, 2009, during a match in Spain’s Copa del Rey. He remained with Barcelona through 2014, making 29 appearances in all competitions, including matches played in the UEFA Champions’ League, La Liga SuperCopa and the Copa del Rey.

In 2014, Dos Santos moved to Villarreal CF in La Liga, where he developed into one of Spain’s standout midfielders. During his time with the club, the Mexican international has made over 120 appearances in all competitions, while scoring seven times and adding eight assists. Internationally, Dos Santos has made 29 appearances across all competitions as a member of the Mexican National Team, including matches in FIFA World Cup Qualifying and the FIFA Confederations Cup. The midfielder made his debut for his country in 2009 at the age of 19. Dos Santos will join the LA Galaxy as the team’s third Designated Player, alongside Frenchman Romain Alessandrini and his brother, Giovani dos Santos.